O.k. Here is my situation, it's a long story though... I bought Mako from a Breeder (very nice lady, extremely clean environment...) I bought a bag of the same food she had been feeding to her dogs. A few days after he arrived here, he started vomiting and he seemed like he was choking or gagging or something. I had him checked out by a vet (which I would have done anyways since he's a puppy), the vet said everything was normal and that I should not worry. (Mako also has a runny nose, it's always dry and sometimes it just runs - it worried me but the vet said it was normal). I did not like the vet because she did not address any of my concerns, so I changed Mako's food to Petsmart food, he loved it and he vomited less. Then after another week, I decided to see another vet that was recommended to me by my neighbour. That vet did not know what Mako had, but he took blood samples, they got analysed and he told me that everyting was fine with the blood. So he wanted me te get him x-rayed. (Oh yeah, I also got his stool analysed, and they found a parasite that causes loose stool, for which they gave me a week worth of pills). The vet thought that he might have "megaesophagus", (a "pocket" in his esophagus where food might be deposited in that might cause him to regurgitate - when he vomits, he vomits the whole food morsels). The new vet also gave me canned "gastro" food for him that I have to mix with water. He has not vomited since I started giving him the canned food, but he still gags/coughs. Anyways, the vet said that if it was megaesophagus, that the only thing to do was to keep feeding him the canned food - and that surgery was rarely seen. So I called my breeder, because I'm sort of tired of forking out money, especially if it's just to know that there is nothing more I can do. My breeder told me to keep giving him the canned food because if he's not vomiting anymore, and he doesn't lose weight, then he's safe. Apparently you need to wait 4 weeks until the food starts to agree with the puppy. (So I am wainting 4 weeks). But now Mako started peeing on the floor, carpets, in his crate, everywhere... He does it standing, he doesn't squat. He used to be almost completely house trained, he asked for the door and had maybe one accident a day, sometimes none at all. Now he pees in the house at least three times a day and if he plays with a bigger dog or if he gets excited, he piddles. I talked to my vet about it and he mentioned that he might have an infection, and that I should have a urinalisys done.

I don't know what problems are related toghether or what I should do. I don't mind taking him to the vet, but I don't think that doing all the tests available on the face of the earth will do him any good if I don't give him time to adjust to that.

Also, I heard of something called "food detox", where a dog can vomit or gag if his food is not correct for him. And even if you change his food, he might still do it for a month after. Could this be causing his gagging/coughing???

If anywone has any experience with any of these problems, your help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

mona_b

May 19th, 2004, 01:28 PM

AWWWWWW,poor puppy.

Question,what was the breeder feeding Mako and what did you switch it too?Did the breeder mention if Mako was doing this when she had him?

A friend of mine has 2 bichons.And her female gags after drinking water.But that's only because Misty drinks to fast.

Also,how many times a day do you feed him and how much?

Sorry for all the questions.But I'm trying to figure out what it could be.

cutelittlemako

May 19th, 2004, 02:39 PM

Hi Mona,
Mako was eating First Choice puppy food (but for small breeds, and he is a Boxer...) I switched him to Petsmart Premium oven cooked food for puppies (has the best ingredients list I found). He now is on Medi-cal, canned food, it's a special "gastro" formula. I feed him twice a day, and I give him one can a day (i divide it in two). When I talked to his breeder she said that none of her dogs have ever done that and that Mako didn't do it before (that she knows of). I have seen all of her dogs and they are all very healthy (good weights, cleans ears, eyes and noses). Her facilities are very clean, so I don't think it's a poor living environment issue.

Right now, his incontinence is bothering me more than anything.

Thanks!

Lucky Rescue

May 19th, 2004, 03:26 PM

Just because a breeder's dogs are clean and well cared for does NOT mean this breeder is good.

If she does not show her dogs and test her bitches for all genetic defects common to this breed, then she is a backyard breeder - a puppy peddler. What guarantees did you get? What health tests and titles does she have on her dogs?

Is she willing to help pay all these vet bills?

If your puppy has megaesophugus, he MAY outgrow it. You will need to use special food and a certain feeding technique where the puppy will will have to be nearly vertical to eat, so gravity will help him swallow.

As for the peeing, yes he could have an infection. I suggest having that checked out.

cutelittlemako

May 19th, 2004, 04:14 PM

Lucky Rescue: She is not the first breeder i've ever met in my life. I do have garantees on the dog. Mako is garanteed for any genetic defects as well as Hip Displasia. And i've never heard of any breeders that help pay vet bills. Most will offer to exchange the dog. She is not a backyard breeder. Her Boxers are her pets and she knows them by name. Her dogs are VERY obedient, otherwise I would not have bought Mako from her. I once travelled 11 hours to get a puppy from a specific breeder, so I don't buy my puppies from the 1st breeder I see. I could exchange Mako for a new puppy, but that's not an option that I want to explore. If it is megaesophagus, and the situation does not get worse, then I don't mind living with it.

I will get a urine sample checked out this week when I go for his 3rd set of shots though!

Thanks.

mona_b

May 19th, 2004, 04:33 PM

I'm not trying to be rude or anything,but can I ask you something.

You say her dogs are pets.Do they have any titles?Also,when you went to this breeder,did you pay and take your pup home the same time?

It's just it seems your pup young to be having a health problem like this at his age.Especially from what you say is a good breeder.And this worries me.

My 2 came from a very responsible reputable breeder.And my previous GSD came from the same breeder.And I have not had any problems with them.

And what also caught my attention is the food.Why would they put a boxer pup on a food for small breeds?

Once again,I'm not trying to be rude... :)

cutelittlemako

May 19th, 2004, 05:24 PM

Yes, I checked everything with the breeder. I have looked for breeders before, so I know what to look for and what is wrong with certain breeders. I'm thinking that there is one thing that is causing all this (like a parasite or something). She is willing to take the dog back and exchange him if I am not satisfied - I just chose not to do that. Otherwise Mako is perfectly healthy, he plays alot, he is very active, he eats normally... The vets I talked also were not concerned about anything the breeder might have done wrong. I just thought I might get a little advice from people who have been in the same situations with their pets.

Thank you!

mona_b

May 19th, 2004, 05:30 PM

Ok,but you still haven't answered my questions...... :(

Did they put a scope down to check if it is his esophagus?

cutelittlemako

May 19th, 2004, 05:32 PM

No because I haven't gone back for the x-rays, I wanted to see how he progressed before I did anything else.

Luba

May 19th, 2004, 05:44 PM

You haven't gone to check results? Didn't the vet call you?

cutelittlemako

May 19th, 2004, 05:49 PM

No I mean I didn't go to take the x-rays.

Luba

May 19th, 2004, 10:09 PM

Gotcha, okay.

cmt489

May 20th, 2004, 12:15 PM

While I agree that people should ALWAYS go to a reputable breeder if purchasing a purebred dog I just have to say that, no matter how reputable the breeder, there are no absolute guarantees when buying a puppy. Sometimes problems may be genetic but recessive and not routinely tested for. Other times the condition may not be genetic at all but a fluke. Let's face it, a dog can be born and suffer from dysplacia and come from two parents that are OFA certified clear. It happens. Don't get me wrong - I don't believe anyone should breed a dog unless it comes from championship lines (or something comperable for breeds that do not participate in CKC/AKC shows), all proper and reasonable genetic testing has been done and the dogs are properly checked for temperment. All the same, to state that a person must not have gotten a puppy from a reputable breeder just because it does turn out to have a problem is not fair either.

Just my two cents for the day... ;)

Michelle

heidiho

May 20th, 2004, 12:45 PM

Right on,cmt 489,I agree with you %100........I dont know how many times i heard my dog might be inbred or backyard breeder just because i mention the problems i have with him..Good for you,i am with you on this..

mona_b

May 20th, 2004, 12:50 PM

True.....BUT...This is a 3 month old pup.And by the sounds of it she recently got him..And for a pup to be having these problems has me wondering about the breeder.And of course so many don't know the difference between BYB and a licenced responsible breeder.We have had a few on here that have come on and needed help with their pups.And when they said breeder,well questions were asked and sure enough it was either from a pet store or a BYB.These people didn't know any better.And I understand.And we explain it to them.But it seems my questions for some reason are not being answered..... :( ...If they were,then I can tell if it was a responsible breeder... :)

But of course our intrest is in the pup.... :D

cutelittlemako

May 20th, 2004, 12:51 PM

Thank you, that's my point, a breeder can be excellent and still have some puppies become sick. I don't see why would should be chastized for not being responsible "pet buyers", from people who don't know us. This seems to happen alot in this forum. Instead of concentrating on stuff that cannot be changed, people who post replies should try to help the person seeking advice. To this point nobody who replied to my post even addressed some of the health issues i've had with my dog, or gave me any health advice - but I have had a few replies asking questions about my breeder. I love my breeder, but even if I didn't I still wouldn't return Mako - he's sick, I want to take care of him. If I had a child that had an infection I wouldn't give him up for adoption. Even with my breeders garantees - if I don't want to exchange my dog, then it's my choice.

I am glad that people are concerned about breeders that don't care about the animals they sell. I find that a good way to know if you have a good breeder is when you call them because the animal is sick, they give you advice and then they tell you to call them back if it doesn't get better - and then they tell you to call back if he feels better too. Breeders who really care about their animals don't breed unhealthy dogs - they have them checked and they breed only healthy dogs.

Thanks

mona_b

May 20th, 2004, 12:52 PM

But heidiho,you and I have had that conversation already.Remember?And what did I tell you?And what info did I give you?

cmt489

May 20th, 2004, 12:59 PM

Mona,

I totally agree with what you say - and yes, this pup is our FIRST concern. I do think however, that since we are attempting to educate users on this board, we also have to point out that even if you go to the most responsible breeder in the world, there are no guarantees. While bad dogs generally come from bad parents, bad dogs can also come from good or great parents. I also don't want people thinking that just because they go to a good breeder and pay a premium for a dog from that breeder that they are guaranteed to be problem free.

As an example, Oliver developed localised demodex and he comes from one of the top breeders of Shibas in North America right now. Both parents showed no signs of demodex (in fact, none of the breeder's dogs have ever shown a sign), both parents are health and temperment tested/screened/certified. Daddy is an AKC and CKC champion and just won BOB at the Shiba National. Mom is also an AKC and CKC champion. Oliver is supposed to show, but, being a responsible and knowing that demodex can be hereditary, I will NEVER breed him, no matter how many championships he amasses (if any - LOL!!).

Anyhow, I have rambled on long enough for the day and really ought to get back to work :D !

Michelle

cutelittlemako

May 20th, 2004, 12:59 PM

Mona: Yes her dogs have titles - Mako has champions in his pedigree. I did pay for him and bring him home on the same day... I live in Ottawa and I got him in Montreal (Not because there are no Boxer breeders in Ottawa, but because I wanted my dog from her!). When I bought my Great Dane I lived in Northern Ontario and I drove to Niagara Falls to get him (an 11 hour drive) so I picked him up on the spot too. In Montreal I did stay at her house for a few hours to check everything though. I didn't just pay, pick up the pup and leave. I had talked to her many times on the phone before deciding to actually go up there. And I had told myself that I would not buy the puppy no matter what. I knew that if I had any reservations about her that I would turn around and find somebody else. I also brought my mom with (she has experience in buying dogs from breeders too).

I hope this anwers your questions.

mona_b

May 20th, 2004, 01:16 PM

Actually I'm a bit stumped...

All the licenced responsible breeders I know,including mine,will not just sell the pups when someone comes looking for them...And what I mean by that is you are put on a waiting list BEFORE she is bred...I was with my 2 and also with my previous one.And I have been an active member with the CKC for 20 years now

cutelittlemako

May 20th, 2004, 01:28 PM

Yes but a breeder can't promise 10 puppies to people if they know their litter is usually of 5 puppies, so breeder usually try to have a maximum of promised dog (no more than a certain number of people on their waiting list). But if the dog ends up having 7 puppies, then 2 are available for other people. That's what happened when I got Oskar (my Great Dane). I guess I just got lucky. And whith Mako, two of her bitches had puppies at about the same time, and Mako was of the oldest batch, and some people preffer younger pups, so when people came in for Mako's litter, they left with a younger puppy. I prefer older puppies because they are fully weened and are easier to live with - and the breeder advised me of this also. I guess when you come from a region where there are no breeders, you have to do stuff like that (get your puppy the same day you see him). We don't really have any other choice. Making two 10 hour trips (both ways), would just be crazy.

Thanks for your concern, but can you actually help me with my dog's situation???

heidiho

May 20th, 2004, 01:29 PM

Mona b,you have given me GREAT advice,and i thank you a thousand times for it,i just dont think because my dog has a food aggressive problem,that he might be inbred[someone said that to me,dont remember who]and i did look around when i was at the breeders place and was very comfortable of picking a puppy from them,actually talked to her last night about his food problem,she said they never had that problem with there dogs,she said damiens mom will not let the other dogs near her when she eats,so he might get some of it from mom,and i didnt help the situation by underfeeding him,she said take a stick or something and when he is eating to stick in bowl,but DO NOT take food just let him realize it is ok,the food is not going nowhere and when he growls just tell him NO,but leave food..Gave him a knee bone last night,same problem he growled,she also said his horomones are probably kicking in TODAY IS HIS 5 MONTH BIRTHDAY BY THE WAY..and he is trying to establish who is the alpha...

mona_b

May 20th, 2004, 02:26 PM

Well I won't get into an answer about it...It would take to long...LOL

But I will say again,I have no clue as to why Mako would be put on food for small breeds...That puzzles me.The reason being I know 2 Boxer Breeders and they never fed a food that was for small breeds.

Definately have an x-ray done...Even an ultrasound done if possible.And I would go with a scope being done.This way they can tell if there some sort of "pocket" in the esophagus.Also,have the vet take more blood tests since he seems to be peeing alot now.Something is up with him though....Poor pup.

heidiho,please don't use a stick.That is just crazy that she told you to do that.That is the worse thing you can do....Just keep doing what I posted last time...Also,with the info I gave you about a responsible breeder and a BYB,you did realize the difference.All you were given where the registration papers...You weren't given a written health gaurentee.Which also means that the parents hips/elbows where not checked.No pedigree papers,parents have no titles.And the name you gave me wasn't even a licened kennel name.What alot of people don't understand is anyone can register a purebred dog to the Kennel Club.It's just saying the dog is a purebred.But it is ilegal to sell a purebred pup (who's parents are registered)without papers.

As for mom being food aggressive with the other dogs,that's not good.Especially if she is being bred....I don't know of any breeders whos dogs are food aggressive.And these breeders feed there dogs together..They also do whats called a temperment test on their pups.

cutelittlemako

May 20th, 2004, 02:51 PM

Thanks Mona, I sent a urine analysis to my vet this morning and he's supposed to call me back this afternoon. I already had blood tests taken last week and everything is fine. Mako is going for his 3rd shots next week so I wanted to talk to the vet about how he's doing before actually getting any other tests done.

By the way, Mona, what are your qualifications??? Are you a vet or something?

heidiho

May 20th, 2004, 02:58 PM

I am gonna call her again and ask her about that stuff when i get home,i am honestly very happy with him,wouldnt trade him for nothing,i do think i started this problem by not feeding him enough and about the food bowl thing i HAVE to do something witht hat,and i am not putting my hand there casue if he does decide to bite,me and him will be through,i have been told by a few people to use a stick or piece of hose instead of my hand to start getting him to realize it is ok to be near his food bowl..

heidiho

May 20th, 2004, 02:59 PM

P.S. I am not using the stick to hit him,just to put near food bowl.not sure if that is what you are thinking..

mona_b

May 20th, 2004, 03:00 PM

Nope,no vet.... :D

I had an Uncle who was one.A long time ago.He is no longer with us... :(

My aunt raised Great Danes.She had 5 of them.Along with a St.Bernard and a Newfie.He did all the vet care for them.And also the cows and horses.I learned quite alot from him.I was his shadow....He tought me alot...Especially about dogs.

mona_b

May 20th, 2004, 03:02 PM

Heidiho,I knew you were not using it to hit him silly.......LOL

I'm just saying don't use it....You can make matters worse.And she was wrong for suggesting it.

heidiho

May 20th, 2004, 03:28 PM

hee!!! hee!!! I am a blonde you know,i have my dumb #%^ moments..I have REALLY got to get control NOW.Cant believe he is doing this with bones now...He is a smart little &%**....

Lucky Rescue

May 20th, 2004, 06:06 PM

As for asking Mona if she is a vet...just for the record, most vets know little about breeding and what qualifies a dog to be breeding quality..

Anyway, without knowing what is wrong with your puppy, I did try and give a little generalized advice. NO, I'm not a vet either.

If your puppy has megaesophugus, he MAY outgrow it. You will need to use special food and a certain feeding technique where the puppy will will have to be nearly vertical to eat, so gravity will help him swallow.

As for the peeing, yes he could have an infection. I suggest having that checked out.

And it's true that even puppies who have champion parents are not precluded from having health problems. These things can happen and no one knows why.

Also, for the benefit of anyone reading this, having championships somewhere in the pedigree means nothing if the MOTHER of these puppies was not a champion herself. Knowing the dog's names and treating them nicely does not mean a person is a responsible breeder.

heidiho

May 20th, 2004, 06:20 PM

I just had to say i have seen some prices on these CHAMPION dogs,and not everyone has that kind of money,i know i dont.But some of us middle class people still like to have pets also...

mona_b

May 20th, 2004, 07:50 PM

Also, for the benefit of anyone reading this, having championships somewhere in the pedigree means nothing if the MOTHER of these puppies was not a champion herself. Knowing the dog's names and treating them nicely does not mean a person is a responsible breeder.[/QUOTE]

SOOOOOOOOO very true LR.

heidiho,my boys came from a long line of Champions.Not just in Show,but in SchH III...And they are my pets.One is a working dog that retired.I am also a middle class person.But when you do look for a dog,be it show or pet,having both sire and dam with titles says it all.These dogs are of breed standard.And they are breeding to better the breed...They are not just putting 2 dogs together.
And I was also put on a neuter contract.And if I didn't have them neutered by the time they were 6 months,I would have been taken to court and would have been sued for $5000...Once they were done,I had to show her proof.

My boys are my babies.And I love them to death.They are amazing dogs... :D

Here is something for you to read.

http://geocities.com/petsburgh/fair/1901/chart.html

cmt489

May 20th, 2004, 08:16 PM

Also, for the benefit of anyone reading this, having championships somewhere in the pedigree means nothing if the MOTHER of these puppies was not a champion herself. Knowing the dog's names and treating them nicely does not mean a person is a responsible breeder.

LR - While I do not want to belabour this issue, I hate sweeping generalizations and statements. Generally this statement is true but, like all rule like statements, there are exceptions. A good breeder may have a dog that is destined for the show ring but who has an accident that physically disfigures the dog (such as a torn earn or losing an eye) thereby preventing it from showing but does not affect its ability to be used as a top quility breeding dog. A reputable breeder can still make the decision of whether or not that dog is of breeding quality, with or without championship. An accident does not mean that a dog should be elimiated from the gene pool. As well, other breeders may sell to individuals who may not have a desire to show but the animal is of exceptional quality. Again, that breeder may decide that should the owners desire, under the breeders direction, that animal can be bred. Again, I stress, with the breeder overseeing the whole operation, controlling selection of mates, helping with contracts and gurantees, etc. While breeders who sold on show/breed contracts used to insist on co-ownerships and that the dog be shown, many are now backing away from this, no longer having the desire or energy to enforce these show agreements.

My two cents again! I must be PMSing or something to be this argumentative today.. ;)

Michelle

Chany

May 20th, 2004, 08:39 PM

cmt, maybe you're just a damn good lawyer!! :D :D

cmt489

May 20th, 2004, 08:47 PM

Aw shucks, Chany, thanks!! :) :) :)

Lucky Rescue

May 20th, 2004, 09:55 PM

I just had to say i have seen some prices on these CHAMPION dogs,and not everyone has that kind of money

If you are simply looking for a nice pet, you can get a beautiful, wellbred PET quality puppy from a reputable breeder for the same price (or LESS) than you can get a badly-bred, puppy mill puppy from a pet store.

Kona Dawg

May 20th, 2004, 11:37 PM

When I was initially looking for my dog, I was going to get a pure bred Border collie. i did quite abit of research on all pure bred dogs. I've read in this post
a few times of show dogs being bred well. Its my understanding that breeding for show is what is actually destroying some breeds. Take golden retrievers for example. There are reputable breeders breeding them for the show ring and it is a detriment to the actual breed because they are looking for the best temperments, coat, build....you get the just. While they do this, they tend to loose quite abit of the Goldens natural sporting ability, its literally being bred right out of them for the show regard. Then there are also breeders who breed
sporting goldens, will they win best of show against a golden that was bred for the ring? Probably not, but the show dogs are usually all but usless for the field.

I'm not trying to argue with anyone here, All I'm really trying to get across is just because the Dame and sire have tittles in the show ring coming out of their ears, it does not convince me that the breeder is actually doing any good at all for the breed in the long run.

just my 2 cents

p.s. mako, I appologize for adding to the hijacking of your post, I think the answers that your looking for will best come from your vet.

cutelittlemako

May 21st, 2004, 08:15 AM

Thanks Kona, my vet did put Mako on Antibiotics yesterday. I wasn't looking for advice here to replace the consulting of a professional, I just thought other people might have been in the same situation and could help me relate to what is goinng on. Instead, what I found here was some (NOT ALL) people who just enjoy replying to posts to make themselves look really smart, and the other people really dumb, without actually knowing who they are talking to - But (SOME OF) these people have not even addressed my puppies well being, which sort of proves my point.

If anyone thinks I got screwed over for buying my puppy - I don't care, I know I didn't and that's all that matters to me. So let it go - pretend that I got a rescue puppy, because if I did ask my breeder to honour my garantee, Mako would probably be euthanized - and that's not something that I could live with.

To the others... thanks for your help ;)

mona_b

May 21st, 2004, 09:41 AM

Here are 2 links to help you understand more about Megaesophagus.

http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/GI%20disorders/megaesophagus.htm

http://www.vetinfo.com/dogmega.html

Hope this helps.

Kona,the Goldens in the show ring are not just show dogs.They also do agility,field,trial(retriever trials)and obedience,conformation also.All this from a show dog.So the sport is not taken away from them at all.And they are also used for SAR and the blind.

Just like the GSD...Look what they were used for.Police work,tracking,SAR,herding,guide work,ect.They are still being used for all this....And where do you think these dogs come from?Responsible breeders who also show their dogs and titled in SchH III.My one GSD is a retired Police Dog.

Same with the Border Collies.They are shown,but they are still capable of doing what they were bred to do,herding.My sister has one.And Abbey is a great herder.She helps with the cows.

Problem is that people only think of these breeds as show dogs and that 's it.But that's not it.They do more then just show.

Sorry,just had to clarify things up.... :D

heidiho

May 21st, 2004, 11:02 AM

That was a good article,i guess mine was a by breeder,to late now i love him.Certain things on there points to by breeder i guess..I am thinking if the food problem doesnt go away after he is neutered,which gives him 4 more weeks,i might have to let my ex-fiance's sister take him,because he is still not liking me around his food and i dont know if it will ever change,i will be devastated,but it wont leave me much choice.His sister lives in Ohio and has one german s, one boxer and a chiuaua[HOWEVER YOU SPELL THAT] and she lives in the country huge backyard,honeslty even as i write this,i dont think i could let him go,i might just live with it and not bother him while he eats,cant see myslef without him we are a team...

cutelittlemako

May 21st, 2004, 11:22 AM

Heidiho, I'm not too sure what your problem is, but if you have aggression issues with your dog when he eats, you should see a trainer. I don't know if you have already tried that, I have only seen what you have written on this thread. You don't have to live with your dog being agressive to you when he eats and you certainly don't have to give him up because of it. I can be fixed, by bringing very subtle changes to his eating habits (not feeding on a schedule, getting him used to feeding him treats or bits of his food with your hand once in a while (not directly from his food bowl), until he gets used to it.) I would talk to a trainer about that - Most behavior problems can be fixed with alot of work and determination. I know Petsmart training classes address problem behaviors in their Basic Education Course, you could start out by talking to a trainer. If you are uncomfortable with the situation, you don't have to do this alone.

I hope things work out for you and your dog!

Lucky Rescue

May 21st, 2004, 11:27 AM

I am thinking if the food problem doesnt go away after he is neutered,which gives him 4 more weeks,i might have to let my ex-fiance's sister take him,because he is still not liking me around his food and i dont know if it will ever change,i will be devastated,but it wont leave me much choice

So this person wants a dog who growls over it's food? Food aggression is usually one of the easier behaviors to fix, especially in a puppy.

We have given you a large number of tips and training suggestions for this - have you tried any of them, and if so which one? You can't expect any problem to disappear in a few days, and then dump the dog if it doesn't.

Neutering doesn't make training or behavior problems "go away" on their own. You have to work at it.

Goldenmom

May 21st, 2004, 11:34 AM

Oh My Goodness! This is still a pup!!! The food aggression only shows up at about this age and can be handled VERY easily. You don't need to give up this dog. Don't give up so easy. There are so many wonderful books out there that help this problem. My puppy bibles are from Dr.Ian Dunbar. Wonderful articles on food aggression etc. and the things you can do to stop this.

Heather

heidiho

May 21st, 2004, 11:43 AM

Thanks,yeah i dont think i have it in me to give him up,the thing is i just moved back here from kentucky,broke up with finace had to start all over ,so i had to get my own place and get back on my feet[ furniture,household stuff] so money is a little on the tight side right now,i dont have the funds just right yet to get him in there or i would.My trainer that is coming over has a new baby so it is hard for him to get out.I have been making him sit by food bowl and then i give treat,But like this morning i will be in the bathroom getting ready while he is eating and he is just so paranoid now about his food i catch him straring at me for a few seconds then he continues to eat,what's up with that??Her just doesnt seem relaxed when he is eating?????? :eek: :eek: :eek:

mona_b

May 21st, 2004, 11:45 AM

heidiho,as LR stated,we gave you some tips and training suggestions....I even gave you a whole list as to the food aggression and what to do.And what about your trainer you are using?Is he not helping you on this issue?And puppy classes were suggested also.

Please don't give up on Damien.It's not fair on him...... :(

He is still a pup and you need to work with him.It is going to take time and patience...... :)

heidiho

May 21st, 2004, 12:09 PM

OK!! OK!! I am not giving up,i love him dearly,but for everyone out there this dog DOES NOT scare easily or back off,he is now about 45 pounds of pure strength believe me,i have tried alot of what i read here and he is still tense around food,i know it will not happen over night,but it has got to at least improve,my trainer is gonna make it over tonight...

heidiho

May 21st, 2004, 12:11 PM

P.S. I will never give up on Damien you have my word on that Mona B,l i could not imagine life without him,we do everything together,but when he turns into the exorcist while eating it is almost impossible to get control of him...

mona_b

May 21st, 2004, 12:59 PM

That's good to hear.... :)

He definately needs to be worked with everyday.He needs to gain your trust when it comes to the food issue....What is the trainer suggesting?Has he ever dealt with this situation?I know you have said he has trained his Dobes,But maybe what you can do is talk to a licenced professional trainer who deals in this type of aggression.They are experts on it.And have been doing it for years.

By the way,do you have any pics of him?........ :D

heidiho

May 21st, 2004, 01:06 PM

No he never had these problems with his dobes..I have a phone interview with petsmart,i will see what they say.Cant belive what a mess i started with him,no one to blame but me.. :( :(

Goldenmom

May 21st, 2004, 01:08 PM

Thats ok Heidi. At least you know you made an error and are trying to fix it. Many would give up and give them to a shelter etc.

Only look forward and learn by your mistakes.

Heather

mona_b

May 21st, 2004, 01:12 PM

Don't worry....It can be fixed..... :)

I thought PetSmart only deals with the obedience part?...I guess I was wrong.

heidiho

May 21st, 2004, 01:25 PM

when i went there they have a paper you can write down your issue, the lady called but i was a twork...At least here in phx. they do it..

mona_b

May 21st, 2004, 01:36 PM

Well that's good.....I'm sure they have it here...It's just I guess I'm so used to people going there for obedience...... :D

heidiho

May 21st, 2004, 02:05 PM

Yeah i dont know if they can tell me anything more then what i have gotten here..Gonna try a few new things tonight..

Kona Dawg

May 25th, 2004, 06:54 PM

Just to clarify my previous post, I was stating dogs used only for the show ring, not used in field competitions. As for Border Collies, They are actually not even recognized by the CKC for the very point that I stated. They actually have their own registry in Canada. the C.B.C.A.

here's an exerp off of "bordercollies.org"

Border Collie Registries

Despite strong opposition from all people who value the genetic heritage of the breed, both the Kennel Club in Great Britain and the American Kennel Club have taken up the registration of Border Collies. They have imposed written physical standards as breeding guidelines and award titles for conformation in dog shows. In Australia, New Zealand, and Britain, where a strain of Border Collies has been bred for dog shows for twenty years or more, those dogs have a predictable physical type, but their ability to herd livestock has been severely compromised.

The United States Border Collie Club, Inc., opposes registering Border Collies with organizations, such as the American Kennel Club, which offer conformation classes for Border Collies. Since its formation in 1975, a primary purpose of the USBCC has been to protect working Border Collies from misguided efforts to create a breed based on physical characteristics instead of on skill in herding livestock.

I was not trying to say that ALL breeders are doing this, some are definately looking out for the breeds in their entirety, however some are not. Make sure if your searching for a breeder you see more than just conformation tittles.

heidiho

May 25th, 2004, 07:00 PM

I do have pics of him at home,i am not computer savy i dont know how to get some on here...I wish you could see how beautiful he is..